2024 - 2025
FULL SEASON REGISTRATION
Irish dance classes for all ages and abilities including pre-school, teen, and adult. From new Beginner to Championship levels, we offer Recreational, Competitive, and Performance Irish Dance in a fun, encouraging, positive environment. With the support of our team of dedicated instructors, students achieve individual goals and learn the value of working as a team in safe, family atmosphere.
When enrolling for the FULL SEASON, you are committing for the entire term (September - June) and performances including St. Patrick's and Year End Recital. For those unable to commit to the full term, please enrol in our Session Based Classes.
FULL SEASON DATES:
Sept 9, 2024 - May 22nd, 2025
CLICK ON PROGRAM BELOW FOR CLASS DETAILS AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
WHICH TYPE OF IRISH DANCE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Whether you are looking for a weekly Recreational class for fun and exercise or an intensive Competitive Irish dance program designed for World Championship levels, McConnell Irish dance has the class for you. We offer students the unique opportunity for local and international performances and competitions.
RECREATIONAL CLASSES
Recreational classes are ideal for those who wish to dance for fun, fitness, develop new skills, meet friends and maintain cultural connections. Recreational classes include warm-up, technique, drills, and choreography. Recreational classes perform at St. Patrick's, Recital, and have the option to participate in Folklorama (summer classes). Recreational students also have the opportunity to compete at Canada Féile (we recommend competing dancers also attend a full season or session based competitive class to properly prepare for competition). Recreational students may choose to attend one or multiple classes per week and we offer week-night and weekend scheduling options.
- All ages from 2 to Adult
- All levels form Beginner to Advanced (CRN Levels 1 - 5)
- Performances include St. Patrick's, Recital, and Folklorama (optional with summer classes)
- Compete in Canada Féile
- Recreational Class & 1 Recital Costume
COMPETITIVE CLASSES
As a registered member of Cumann Rince Náisiúnta CRN, students have the option to compete in any Open Platform Irish dance competitions, including our local Canada Féile held in June. McConnell Irish Dancers compete at Regional, National, and World Championship levels in both solo and team competitions. CRN Competitive Irish Dance is comprised of graded 5 Levels and competitions are held in North America and abroad. Digital (virtual) competitions are also offered as a more economic alternative to travel.
Our competitive classes focus is on training dancers to develop strong foundations with good technique and style for championship levels. Competitive classes do no participate in performances. Competitive dancers who wish to perform are encouraged to enrol in our Recreational classes or join our Performance Team.
- All ages from 5 to Adult
- All levels form Beginner to Advanced (CRN Levels 1 - 5)
- Compete in Canada Féile, Regional, National, and World Championships
- Non-performing classes
PERFORMANCE TEAMS
Performance dancers are dedicated and willing to commit to dance above other extracurricular activities. Dancers achieve the highest standard of Irish dance, gain confidence, learn valuable performance skills and work together as a team. Dancers in our Performance Teams become dance family, make life-long friendships, and benefit from experiences beyond a standard dance class.
Performance Team enrolment is 12 months and dancers commit to classes and performances for the entire year. Placement in Performance Division teams is determined by age and ability, but all dancers are welcome to join our team. Performance Teams dancers perform at over 40 local shows throughout the season, including St. Patrick’s, Year End Recital, and Folklorama. Performance dancers may also be invited to participate in International festivals.
- Ages 5 & up
- Enrol in at least 1 Recreational or Competitive class
- Class & Show Attendance Requirements
- Local shows St. Patrick's, Recital, Folklorama performances
- Performance Team and Show Costumes
HOW TO ENROL
Students register, select classes, payments, and maintain contact information through our secure system called Jackrabbit.
Jackrabbit can be used On-Line - Click Here or using our Mobile App.
Our Mobile App provides pupils the opportunity to easily manage their accounts, class registration, and receive push notifications, from the convenience of their mobile phone.
To Download our App
- Go to App Store or Google Play Store
- Search McConnell Irish Dance
- Select Download
Upon sign-up you will be asked for contact details for students and parent or guardians and payment information. Multiple contacts may be added to family account so all parents, guardians, dancers, and family members can receive school emails. Contact information may be updated at anytime through the Jackrabbit system.
- No fees are processed for enrolment until after new students have completed a trial class and confirmed they wish to proceed with enrolment.
2024 - 2025 FULL SEASON CLASSES
BEGINNER IRISH DANCE
WEE ONES
Ages 2 - 3
A fun and energetic introduction to Irish Dance with a 30 minute program specific for students 2 - 3 years of age. Dancers learn the basics of Irish dance, develop coordination, social skills, and gain confidence in the studio environment. Wee Ones perform at St. Patrick's, Recital and Folklorama (optional Summer classes) *Children who are reluctant to manage the class on their own should enrol in our Parent & Child Class. Once dancers gain confidence with the studio environment and are able to manage the class on their own, they way transfer to the Wee Ones or Beginner class at any time during the season.
CLASS SCHEDULE
WEE ONES (2 - 3): Monday 5:30 - 6:00 PM
Students may chose to enrol in one or both. Hourly discounted rate applies for the 2nd class (or more).
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $470.25 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $55.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available.
WEE ONES (2 - 3) CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Girls - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers with Ankle Length Poodle Socks.
Boys - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - ANY COLOUR
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - ANY COLOUR
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Boys - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt or T-Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costume Rentals are available for those who wish to rent for the season rather than purchase.
All performing dancers require a costume.
New Costume Fees
Girls -Malley Sport Skirt $100
Boys - Malley Sport Polo or T-Shirt $75 / $30
Costume Rental Fees Beginner Skirt: $50.00 In addition to the Beginner skirt, students will need to purchase a long sleeve black bodysuit and poodle socks as these items are not included with the costume rental.
Beginner Students perform at St Patrick's Fest, Recital, and Folklorama (optional summer classes)
Wee Ones ages 2 - 3 interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Feile.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
PARENT & CHILD
Ages 2 - 4
A fun and energetic introduction to Irish Dance with a 30 minute program specific for students 2 - 4 years of age with a parent or adult family member. Dancers learn the basics of Irish dance and develop coordination, social skills, and gain confidence in the studio environment with a parent alongside. *This is a non-performing class. Students who are ready to manage the class on their own may transfer to the Wee Ones or Beginner Class at anytime during the season.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Wednesday 5:15 - 5:45 PM
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $470.25 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $55.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount and 5% Family Discounts available.
PARENT AND CHILD (2 - 4) CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Girls - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers.
Boys - Capezio style Jazz Shoes.
Parent - Irish Soft Shoes, Ballet Slippers, Jazz shoes, Gym shoes (indoor), socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - ANY COLOUR
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - ANY COLOUR
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
No Costume Required
BEGINNER
Ages 4 - 6 / Ages 5 - 10
A fun and energetic introduction to Irish Dance with classes available for students 4 - 6 and 5 - 10 years of age. The 60 minute class which includes warm up, technique and choreographed dance routines for performance. Students learn the Basic Reel, Jig and Céili (group) dance. Dancers develop technique, timing, and gain confidence with the basics of Irish soft shoe in a small class setting. *Beginner students who master the full Bunghrád Reel have the option to transfer to the Level 1 class at anytime during the season.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
BEGINNER 4 - 6 Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30 PM and / or Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 AM
BEGINNER 5 - 10 Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 PM
DÉBUTANT 5 - 10 Friday 6:15 - 7:15 PM *Instruction en français
Students may chose to enrol in one or both. Hourly discounted rate applies for the second class (or more).
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $598.50 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $70.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available.
BEGINNER CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Girls - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers with Ankle Length Poodle Socks.
Boys - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - ANY COLOUR
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - ANY COLOUR
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Boys - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt or T-Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Girls 5 - 10 McConnell Malley Sport DressBoys 5 - 10 McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt or T-Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costume Rentals are available for those who wish to rent for the season rather than purchase.
All performing dancers require a costume.
New Costume Fees
Girls -Malley Sport Skirt $100, Malley Sport Dress $195
Boys - Malley Sport Polo or T-Shirt $75 / $30
Costume Rental Fees Beginner Skirt: $50 Full Season. Malley Sport Dress $75.00 Full Season. In addition to the Beginner skirt, students will need to purchase a long sleeve black bodysuit and poodle socks as these items are not included with the costume rental.
Beginner Students perform at St Patrick's Fest, Recital, and Folklorama (optional summer classes)
Beginner Students interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Feile.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
ADULT BEGINNER
18 and Up
In this fun, 60 min Adult's Only Class, adult students of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels are welcome. This class is ideal for beginners with no dance training, student's who may have studied Irish dance in childhood or dancers who some experience in other dance disciplines. Dancers learn the basics with the Bunghrad (Beginner) Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, and Light Jig as well as céili (group dancing). *All Adult dancers are invited to perform at St. Patrick's, Recital, and Folklorama (summer classes). Performance is optional for all Adult dancers.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Friday 7:15 - 8:15 PM
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $598.50 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $70.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
ADULT CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Females - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers.
Males - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
BOTTOMS - ANY COLOUR
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - ANY COLOUR
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Men - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costumes are only required for dancers who wish to perform.
Adult Students are invited to perform at St Patrick's Fest, Recital and Folklorama (optional summer clases)
Performance is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to participate.
Adult who are interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. Graded competitions are offered for dancers over 6 to adult. Canada Féile is a great opportunity for dancers to try competitive Irish dance. Adult dancers who are intersted in competitive Irish dance are strongly encouraged to enrol in our Competitive Level 1 - 3 Class.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
RECREATIONAL IRISH DANCE
GRADED LEVELS 1 - 3
BUNGHRÁD - ULLMHUCHÁN - MEANGHRÁD
Once dancers learn the basics in a Beginner class, they move through Irish Dance Levels 1 - 5 of (Bunghrád, Ullmhuchán, Meanghrád, Ardghrád, Craobhghrád). Each level increases in difficulty and students gain skill and learn the necessary technique with the assistance of our CRN certified team of instructors. Dancers progress at their own pace through each dance and level and generally spend 1 - 3 years in each level before advancing. CRN Graded Levels a provide structured learning for recreational, performance, and competitive Irish dance students and motivates Irish dancers to the highest levels.
BUNGHRÁD
LEVEL 1
In this 60 minute class, students learn the 4 Bunghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Light Jig). The lesson includes warm up, technique, drills, choreographed dances and céilis. Students progress at their own pace and dancers may spend several years mastering the dances, technique in order to have the necessary skills to advance to higher levels. *Dancers who wish to compete should also enrol in the Competitive 1 class to adequately prepare for competition.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday 5:45 - 6:45 PM and/ or Saturday 11:00 - 12:00 PM
Students may chose to enrol in one or both classes. Hourly discounted rate applies for the second class.
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $598.50 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $70.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
ULLMHUCHÁN - MEANGHRÁD
LEVEL 2 - 3
In this 90 minute class, students learn the 5 Ullmhuchán dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ). 5 Meanghrád (Reel, Slip, Single, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe) and traditional Set dances including St. Patrick's Day, Humours of Bandon, Job of Journeywork, Blackbird, White Blanket, and Garden of Daisys. Students progress at their own pace and dancers may spend several years mastering each level. The Level 2 - 3 class includes warm up, technique, soft and hard shoe, and céilis. This class is suitable for recreational students of all ages. *Dancers who wish to compete should also enrol in the Competitive 2 - 3 class to adequately prepare for competition.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday 6:45 - 8:15 PM or Saturday 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Students may chose to enrol in one or both classes. Hourly discounted rate applies for the second class.
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $855.00 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $100.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
BUNGHRÁD, ULLMHUCHÁN, MEANGHRÁD CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Females - Level 1: Irish Soft Shoes with Ankle Length Poodle Socks. Level 2 - 3: Irish Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes with Ankle Length Poodle Socks
Males - Level 1: Boys Capezio Shoes with Black Dress Socks. Level 2 - 3: Boys Capezio Shoes and Hard Shoes with Black Dress Socks
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - COLOUR BLACK
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - COLOUR BLACK
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances. No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Males - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costume Rentals are available for those who wish to rent for the season rather than purchase.
New Costume Fees
Girls -Malley Sport Dress $195
Boys - Malley Sport Polo $75, Black Dress Pants $30 - $50
Costume Rental Fees Malley Sport Dress $95 Full Season
Level 1 - 3 Students perform at St.Patrick's Fest', Recital, and Folklorama (optional summer classes).
Dancers require a school costume in order to participate.
Level 1 - 3 dancers who are interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. Dancers should enrol in our Competitive Level 1 - 3 Class if they wish to advance in Competitive Irish Dance. Graded competitions are offered for dancers over 6 to adult.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
ADULT +18
INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
In this fun, 75 min Adult's Only Class, adult students of all ages are welcome for both Soft Shoe and Hard Shoe Irish Dance. This class is best suited for dancers with previous Irish dance experience. Dancers work on Ullmhúchán (Level 2) and Meanghrád (Level 3) and Ceilis with figure dances and choreography. This class is suitable for all ages over 18 and and fitness levels. * Adult dancers who wish to compete are strongly encourage to enrol in our Competitive Level 1 - 3 class.
CLASS SCHEDULE: Wednesday 8:15 - 9:30 PM
Hourly discounted rate applies for students who enrol in the Competitive Level 1 - 3 Class
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $726.75. Add GST 10 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $85.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
BEGINNER ADULT CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Females - Irish Soft Shoes or Black Ballet Slippers.
Males - Black Capezio Jazz Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear by the end of the first month of classes. New students may wear socks for the first few weeks of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
BOTTOMS - ANY COLOUR
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - ANY COLOUR
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances). No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Men - McConnell Malley Sport Polo Shirt, Black Dress Pants
Irish Dance costumes are used for several years, until a dancers grows or advances levels and needs to upgrade. New costume orders are placed in January. Second hand costumes are a good, economic option for growing dancers. We have a school Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand Dance Shoes and Costumes - CLICK HERE
Costumes are only required for dancers who wish to perform.
Adult Students are invited to perform at St Patrick's Fest, Recital and Folklorama (optional summer clases)
Performance is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to participate.
Adult who are interested in competitive Irish Dance are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. Graded competitions are offered for dancers over 6 to adult. Canada Féile is a great opportunity for dancers to try competitive Irish dance. Adult dancers who are intersted in competitive Irish dance are strongly encouraged to enrol in our Competitive Level 1 - 3 Class.
Competition is optional and dancers require a school costume in order to compete.
COMPETITIVE IRISH DANCE
BUNGHRÁD
LEVEL 1
In this 90 minute class, students learn the 4 Bunghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Light Jig). The lesson includes warm up, technique, drills, and céilis (group dance) with added focus on the elements necessary for dancers to excel in competitive Irish dance.. Students progress at their own pace and dancers may spend several years mastering the dances, technique in order to have the necessary skills to advance to higher levels.
Competitive Dancers who wish to perform should also enrol in the Recreational 1 - 3 class or Performance Teams.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
LEVEL 1 Sunday 11:00 - 12:30 PM
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $855.00 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $100.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
ULLMHUCHÁN - MEANGHRÁD
LEVEL 2 - 3
In this 120 minute class, students learn and master the 5 Ullmhuchán dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ). 5 Meanghrád (Reel, Slip, Single, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe) and traditional Set dances including St. Patrick's Day, Humours of Bandon, Job of Journeywork, Blackbird, White Blanket, and Garden of Daisys. Dancers progress at their own pace and dancers may spend several years mastering each level. The Level 2 - 3 class includes warm up, technique, soft and hard shoe, and céili (group) dances. This class is suitable for competitive students of all ages. *Dancers who wish to perform should also enrol in the Recreational 2 - 3 class or join our Performance Team.
*Enrolment Requirement: Dancers must be proficient in all 4 Bunghád dances
CLASS SCHEDULE:
LEVEL 2 - 3 Sunday 11:00 - 1:00 PM
Students may chose to enrol in one or both classes. Hourly discounted rate applies for the second class.
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $1111.50 Add GST 9 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $130.00 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
ARDGHRÁD - CRAOBHGHRÁD
Level 4 - 5
In this high intensity 2 - 3 hour class, students learn 5 Ardghrád dances (Reel, Slip Jig, Single Jig, Heavy Jig, Hornpipe ) and contemporary set dances. Within Level 4 and 5 there are increasing degrees of difficulty and dancers require both a high level of skill and athleticism. Dancers achieve the status of Craobhghrad "Champion" Level 5 by winning a championship with 3 adjudicators. Dances who wish to have individual steps and choreography take additional private lessons to have material created specifically for them. Three scheduling options are offered for Level 4 - 5 classes. Students may choose to register for one class or multiple lessons per week. For serious minded competitive dancers, we strongly recommend dancers attend all three weekly classes. Hourly discounts apply for the second and third class enrolment.
*Enrolment Requirement: Dancers must be proficient in all 5 Meanghrád dances
CLASS SCHEDULE:
Monday 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Thursday 6:30 - 9:30 PM, Saturday 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Students may chose to enrol in one or all three classes. Hourly discounted rate applies for the second and third class.
5% Full Season Payment Discount, Multi-Class Discount, and 5% Family Discounts available
COMPETITIVE CLASS INFORMATION
Please click on the tabs below for more information
Females - Irish Soft Shoes and Hard Shoes with Ankle Length Poodle Socks.
Males - Boys Reel Shoes (with heels) and Hard Shoes with Black Dress Socks.
Shoes MUST be well fitting for Competitive Irish Dance. New Irish Dance Shoes may be ordered on-line -CLICK HERE Second Hand Irish Dance Shoes are an economic option for growing dancers. McConnell School Facebook group dedicated to Buy and Sell for Second Hand shoes and costumes - CLICK HERE
Dancers should have the necessary footwear at the commencement of classes.
Dance clothing should allow for non-restrictive movement for safety. Long hair should be tied back at all times. Jewellery should be limited to medical alert. Simple studs for dancers who cannot remove earrings. Dance costumes should not be worn to class.
Poodle socks (girls) or Black Dress Socks (boys) should be worn to class to insure dance shoes do not over-stretch.
BOTTOMS - COLOUR BLACK
Tights, leggings, yoga or dance pants, shorts and dance skirts must be of an appropriate length and not impede with dancers movement. For safety yoga and dance pants should not be longer than ankle length.
TOPS - COLOUR BLACK
Bodysuits, athletic tops, and t-shirts should allow for ease of movement and should not be overly large.
NOT APPROPRIATE
Jeans, dress pants, sweat pants, dresses, and Irish dance costumes (these should be saved for performances. No Hoodies, sweatshirts, hats or baseball caps
Males - McConnell Malley Polo, Prime Vest and Cummerbund with Black Dress Pants
Solo Costumes - Dancers may wear a solo costume when they compete in Meanghrad(at least 2 dances). All solo costumes (new and used) MUST be approved by the school prior to purchase or design.
New Costume Fees
Girls -Malley Sport $195, Prime Dress $550 - $800
Boys - Malley Polo $85, Prime Vest and Cummerbund $300 - $350
Non-perfomring class
All competitive Irish Dancers are invited to compete in our local competition Canada Féile. CRN and Open Platform competitions are held in the USA, Britian, and Ireland and dancers may travel to compete or take part in Digital (virtual) competitions.
PERFORMANCE TEAMS
For dancers already enrolled in Recreational or Competitive Classes
Dedicated dancers who love to perform and have great team spirit
McConnell Irish Dance Performance Team was established in 2007 and the group has performed all over the world. The troupe is a professional group comprised of dancers, musicians, and singers. The McConnell Irish Dancers perform locally at over 30 charitable and corporate shows each year and have danced all over the world at international festivals.
Performance Division dancers are dedicated, hardworking, and willing to commit to dance above other extracurricular activities. Dancers must achieve a high standard of Irish dance, exhibit strong performance skills & work as well as a team, in order to perform with the McConnell Irish Dancers. Performance team placement based on dancer’s age, skill level and performance abilities. The Performance Division season is 12 months and dancers are required to commit to shows for the entire duration of the year (Sept 1 - to commencement of lessons in Sept the following year). Performance Team dancers must be enrolled in at least one Level 1 - 5 class (Recreational or Competitive) for the season with the exception of Senior or Alumni Team members with a minimum of 5 years on the team.
Performance dancers become part of a family who travel the world to perform & make lifelong friendships.
JUNIOR TEAM: Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00 PM PERFORMANCE TEAM: Tuesday 7:00 - 9:30 PM
FULL SEASON PAYMENT: $1425.00 Add GST 12 MONTHLY INSTALMENTS: $125 Add GST
5% Full Season Payment Discount
BENEFITS OF IRISH DANCE
IRISH DANCE TEACHES US
Discipline
Value of hard work
How to set goals
How to listen
How to win & how to loose
IRISH DANCE MAKES US
Better athletes
Better musicians
Better teammates
More confident
IRISH DANCE GIVES US
Good health and Fitness
Life-long friendships
Determination
Perseverance
